The Falcons have made some big changes to the roster this offseason, and it starts with a quarterback battle under new head coach Kevin Stefanski.
Quarterback (3)
Tua Tagovailoa, Michael Penix Jr., Trevor Siemian
The battle between Tua Tagovailoa and Michael Penix Jr. might not be decided until late August, but Tua feels like the frontrunner with Kevin Stefanski gushing about his accuracy last week. Durability concerns for Penix—who is coming off a torn ACL—should only boost the odds of Trevor Siemian making it as the No. 3 quarterback, which I assume the organization believes in having anyway.
Running back (3)
Bijan Robinson, Brian Robinson Jr., Tyler Goodson
Atlanta will lean heavily on Bijan Robinson once again this season, and Brian Robinson Jr. is a seamless replacement for Tyler Allgeier in the No. 2 role. That leaves Tyler Goodson and 2025 preseason standout Nathan Carter battling for the final spot, but the value Goodson can provide on passing downs (and on special teams) gives him the edge.
Wide receiver (5)
Drake London, Jahan Dotson, Zachariah Branch (R), Olamide Zaccheaus, Casey Washington
Drake London is the no-doubt No. 1 receiver for the Falcons, Jahan Dotson was a great signing with President of Football Matt Ryan expressing a belief in untapped potential for him, Zachariah Branch is a dynamic rookie weapon, and Olamide Zaccheaus is a lock as a veteran presence. The fifth spot will probably come down to Casey Washington versus Dylan Drummond, but there might be room for another addition here if neither emerges.
Tight end (3)
Kyle Pitts Sr., Austin Hooper, Charlie Woerner
Austin Hooper is another veteran back in Atlanta who played with Matt Ryan, and he’ll slide in behind Kyle Pitts Sr. at tight end. Charlie Woerner played a career-high 52% of the offensive snaps last year and should still have a role as a primary blocker in a new offense.
Offensive tackle (4)
Jake Matthews, Jawaan Taylor, Jack Nelson, Storm Norton
Long-time left tackle Jake Matthews will be joined by Jawaan Taylor this year as the starting tackle duo, and the question here is regarding the backups; Storm Norton missed all of last season with an ankle injury suffered in training camp that was followed by a setback, and he’ll compete with Jack Nelson if the team decides to keep just one swing tackle.
Guard (3)
Matthew Bergeron, Chris Lindstrom, Ethan Onianwa (R)
If the Falcons keep just three offensive tackles, Kyle Hinton or Andrew Stueber will have a much better shot of sticking on the roster. Either way, they will still have a chance to beat out seventh-round rookie Ethan Onianwa this summer, but the new regime might favor their handpicked rookie making the roster behind Matthew Bergeron and Chris Lindstrom.
Center (2)
Ryan Neuzil, James Brockermeyer (R)
Corey Levin and undrafted rookie James Brockermeyer are the candidates to be the backup to Ryan Nuezil, and it’s anyone’s guess as to who might have the upper hand. I thought Brockermeyer could have been drafted in the sixth or seventh round, so we’ll see if he shows enough to beat out the veteran signing.
Interior defensive line (6)
Zach Harrison, Maason Smith, Brandon Dorlus, Da’Shawn Hand, LaCale London, Anterio Thompson (R)
Defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich remaining in place might make the defense a bit easier to predict, and the most notable move up front was trading Ruke Orhorhoro for Maason Smith in a player-for-player swap. The former Jaguar is a lock along with Zach Harrison, Brandon Dorlus, Da’Shawn Hand, and likely LaCale London—with the final spot being an open competition between sixth-round rookie Anterio Thompson, Chris Williams, Ross Blacklock, and Elijah Garcia.
Edge defender (5)
Jalon Walker, James Pearce Jr., Azeez Ojulari, Samson Ebukam, Bralen Trice
We would have to move James Pearce Jr. into an injured/suspended category if a suspension is handed down before Week 1, but the NFL punishment process can often get delayed a year. If so, Jalon Walker and Pearce could be among the best edge duos in the league, and the backups are solid with Azeez Ojulari and Samson Ebukam both signed in free agency. That leaves 2024 third-rounder Bralen Trice trying to finally get on the field after a knee injury in back-to-back summers, and he’ll need to hold off Cameron Thomas and DeAngelo Malone.
Linebacker (5)
Divine Deablo, Christian Harris, Kendal Daniels (R), Harold Perkins Jr. (R), JD Bertrand
Even with Kaden Elliss gone, linebacker might be the most competitive position on Atlanta’s roster based the combination of returning players, veteran signings, and incoming rookies. Divine Deablo is the only unquestioned lock, and Christian Harris might have the advantage for the other starting job based on his experience. That said, I’d keep an eye on sixth-rounder Harold Perkins Jr. forcing his way into significant action, and the team was clearly high on fourth-round pick Kendal Daniels. Value on special teams could allow JD Bertrand to hold off a healthy Troy Andersen and Channing Tindall.
Cornerback (6)
A.J. Terrell Jr., Avieon Terrell (R), Mike Hughes, Clark Phillips III, Cobee Bryant, Darnay Holmes
Cornerback is also crowded for the Falcons, particularly with Billy Bowman Jr. (listed as a safety for this article) again projected to start in the slot. Training camp and preseason action will determine the best fit for Avieon Terrell, but he should join his brother A.J. Terrell Jr. in the starting lineup before long. Mike Hughes was the starter on the perimeter last year and is safe as well, and I’m high on all three of Clark Phillips III, Cobee Bryant, and Darnay Holmes to have them make it over C.J. Henderson and Mike Ford Jr.
Safety (5)
Xavier Watts, Jessie Bates III, Billy Bowman Jr., DeMarcco Hellams, Sydney Brown
In general, the pass rush and secondary are reasons to believe Atlanta could make noise in 2026, and Sydney Brown is the only player here who might not be a lock. Jammie Robinson and Darren Hall will either need to beat Brown out or hope Billy Bowman Jr.’s versatility leaves room for another safety to be kept.
Special teams (3)
Nick Folk, Jake Bailey, Liam McCullough
The Falcons were aggressive in improving the kicking game this offseason by signing Nick Folk and Jake Bailey as established options at kicker and punter—leaving long snapper as the only spot up in the air. Undrafted rookie Philip Florenzo will come cheaper if he shows he can be trusted over the incumbent, but I’ll say Atlanta opts for some stability by keeping Liam McCullough.